I would not use 1/4" ply. In my opinion it is not up to the task for a flat durable track surface over time. I am sure you can build a strong one by two structure but in my opinion for the money I go for 1x4 or 2x4. As far as sound goes a lot depends on the room your in. I have had a tubular layout on 3/4" and 1/2" ply where the sound made it unpleasant to be in the room.(unfinished utility room) I heard no noticeable difference. But On those layouts I eventually poured pea sized gravel on the track and the sound dropped at least 50%. You could see the gravel vibrating as the train approached. The track was screwed directly to the ply. Now I use a 1/2" rubber type roadbed and atlas O track in that same room and it is quite satisfactory as far as noise. IMHO the roadbed reduces noise far more than the thickness of the ply. I am starting another layout in STD Guage and it will have 3/4" MDF and 1/2" rubber roadbed. The best of both worlds. It will also be in a carpeted finished room.
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